New Search for CEO at Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority Following Resignation of Steve Williams

The Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority is searching for a new CEO following the resignation of its leader, Steve Williams, effective July 5. Williams had been the CEO of the $500 million public corporation for two years and has held various roles within the organization since 2005. The trust was established in 1994 to manage land revenue for the benefit of Alaskans experiencing mental illness and has become a significant player in the state’s mining and logging industries through its vast land holdings.

Allison Biastock, the trust’s communication director, will serve as interim CEO while the trust’s board conducts a nationwide search for a replacement. Williams expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to work with trust beneficiaries, staff, trustees, and partners during his time with the organization. While he did not provide a specific reason for his resignation, Williams mentioned that he is looking forward to spending more time with his family and continuing to make positive impacts in Alaska.

The current version of the trust was established in 1994 following a legal settlement that alleged mismanagement of a prior mental health trust by the state. The trust was reconstituted with 1 million acres of land and $200 million after the Alaska Supreme Court ruled in favor of the plaintiffs. Since then, the trust’s investments have annually funded the state’s standalone mental health budget, which is one of three budgets drafted by the Alaska Legislature each year.

The Alaska Beacon originally published this information about Steve Williams’ resignation from his position as CEO of Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority. The Beacon is an independent nonpartisan news organization that covers Alaska state government.